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Venue implemented security measures this season similar to Jays, slowed down fans’ entry to dome.

Argonauts fans cheer during the first half action of CFL season play between the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. August 8, 2015 A lot of fans showed up late because long lineups getting in due to security checks. (Melissa Renwick / Toronto Star)

The Toronto Argonauts say the long lineups and wait times to enter Rogers Stadium at the team’s home opener Saturday were “unacceptable” and won’t happen again.

In a letter to the fans from the team’s executive chairman and CEO Chris Rudge, the Argos said they have met with Rogers Centre staff to correct the problems.

“We believe it was unfair to you, our fans, who have waited so long to see your team play in Toronto,” Rudge wrote, saying the team heard first-hand about the delays from fans.

The Rogers Centre has implemented security measures this season consistent with Major League Baseball where fans have to pass through metal detectors, and the Argos say they tried as best as possible to get the word out to their fans to come early.

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When fans arrived, they were met with long lineups and wait times that some said stretched for over an hour. The average wait time at Gate 11 was 20 minutes and longer at Gate 5, the Argos said.

Much of that had to do with understaffing, a lack of experienced staff and many who were in training, the Argos said.

There was an announced crowd of 20,642, but many of those missed some parts of the Argos’ 30-26 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

“While we have been assured that there will not be a repeat of these events, we will continue to encourage fans to plan ahead and arrive to the gates early so you don’t miss a minute of the game,” the Argos CEO said.

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When fans arrived, they were met with long lineups and wait times that some said stretched for over an hour. The average wait time at Gate 11 was 20 minutes and longer at Gate 5, the Argos said.

Much of that had to do with understaffing, a lack of experienced staff and many who were in training, the Argos said.

There was an announced crowd of 20,642, but many of those missed some parts of the Argos’ 30-26 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

“While we have been assured that there will not be a repeat of these events, we will continue to encourage fans to plan ahead and arrive to the gates early so you don’t miss a minute of the game,” the Argos CEO said.

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